III Marine Expeditionary Force Band

第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊

Okinawa, Japan

III MEF BAND

As the Eastern Hemisphere’s sole musical representative of the United States Marine Corps, the III MEF Band enjoys a busy schedule filled with performances across Okinawa and throughout the Far East each year. The band capitalizes on this unique position by making it a priority to present community outreach performances and participating in international military band festivals in South Korea, Tokyo, and Kumamoto, Japan. Consisting of musicians trained in a variety of musical styles, the III MEF Band is able to provide a number of small ensembles for civilian events, including brass and woodwind quintets, jazz combo, rock band, and brass band. To reserve the band for an event, please visit www.iiimef.marines.mil/Band/Request-Forms/ and proceed to fill out a request form.

Yes. All Marines, with the exception of the United States Marine Band (The President's Own), are required to attend boot camp at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA, or Parris Island, SC, for 13 weeks.

While a college degree in music is not a prerequisite for the potential Marine Musician, previous playing experience is a must. Each individual candidate must pass a field audition before enlisting with our MOS of 5524.

No. Once you finish Boot Camp and MCT, you will go to the Naval School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia. There, you will study music theory and ear training, as well as practice playing in various musical groups such as concert band, drill band, and different jazz ensembles.